Which specialist treats distal radius fracture?

An orthopaedic trauma or hand and wrist specialist treats a distal radius fracture and decides whether casting, reduction, or fixation is needed. An emergency clinician can provide the initial assessment, pain relief, immobilisation, and imaging.

A distal radius fracture is a break near the wrist end of the forearm's radius bone. Wrist pain, hand swelling, or a visible deformity after injury may occur, but the appearance alone cannot show how the bone is aligned or whether the joint is involved.

The specialist reviews X-rays, skin condition, circulation, sensation, finger movement, fracture alignment, and the demands placed on your wrist. These findings guide the treatment plan and follow-up imaging.

Keep the wrist supported as instructed, elevate the hand, and move the fingers gently if advised. A fracture may be managed with fracture casting when alignment is acceptable. Closed reduction can realign selected fractures without an incision, while fracture fixation surgery uses hardware when stability or alignment needs surgical support. Hand therapy may help restore movement after immobilisation.

Seek emergency assessment for an open wound, severe deformity, rapidly increasing swelling, unbearable pain, numbness, inability to move the fingers, or fingers that become pale, blue, or cold. Do not wait for a routine clinic appointment after a significant wrist injury with these signs.

Ask whether the fracture enters the wrist joint, whether alignment is stable, how long the wrist needs support, and which finger movements are safe. Ask when repeat imaging, cast review, and hand therapy should occur.